After purchasing a new pair of shoes, you no doubt notice that the shoes feel stiff or snug. Typically, there is an adjustment period to “break in” the shoes. The same can be said about your new hearing aids. In fact, like a new pair of shoes, you may need a week or more to adjust to the feeling of hearing aids in your ears.
Once you receive your hearing aids, you need to give yourself time to adjust to not only the sound but also the feel. Taking breaks each day allows you time to adjust to the feeling of something in your ear. The hearing aids should feel snug in your ear but never painful. Your hearing aids should be so comfortable after the first week, that you barely notice them in your ear — aside from being able to hear again!
On the rare occasion that your ears do become irritated from your hearing aids, it is important to identify and fix the cause.
Are your hearing aids inserted correctly?
Before leaving your hearing professional’s office, it is important that you practice inserting and removing your hearing aids to confirm you are doing so properly. There is usually a specific way to insert the hearing aid depending on the style and model you get. Your hearing professional will be able to identify how to insert your specific hearing aids and help you with any questions or techniques. Be advised that an improper insertion can cause ear discomfort. For example, if you partially place the hearing aid in your ear to alleviate a snug feeling rather than insert it completely, you could suffer from ear discomfort.
Is an ill-fitting hearing aid the culprit?
Sometimes the hearing aids feel fine when you’re in the hearing clinic, but as days pass, you notice a specific spot where there is rubbing or pressure. This needs to be addressed with your hearing professional right away. It could be as simple as grinding the product down ever so slightly. Other times, impressions may need to be redone and sent to the manufacturer for a remake. This is usually infrequent and only specific to certain models and molds.
Are allergies causing discomfort?
Although infrequent, some patients experience an allergy to certain earmold materials. Be sure to speak with your hearing professional about the materials used in hearing aids if you are aware of any allergies.
It is important to reach out to your hearing professional with any pain or discomfort when wearing your new hearing aids. As with anything new, there is always an adjustment phase, but this phase should never be painful.
To learn more about adjustment periods with your new hearing aids click here.
Your hearing aids are a wonderful investment in your hearing as well as your health and social well-being. With practice, patience and support, you’ll be hearing better and living better in no time!
Join our community of Starkey Blog subscribers
Want a week's worth of Starkey blogs delivered to your inbox? Sign up here.